Living with the effects of a stroke

I had a stroke last year. It affected my balance and left me with a weak leg, so walking was hard work. I had to give up driving. All this meant it was much harder to see friends and family, so I felt quite lonely. I also found it hard to concentrate and to remember things.

I heard about INS from the NHS physiotherapist who was seeing me after my stroke. I was able to refer myself over the phone. An INS physiotherapist came out to see me and I was then invited to an exercise group. It is great knowing I can go somewhere to exercise with people that understand what I’m going through.

I was really keen on learning how to use the iPad that my grandchildren had bought me for Christmas. Within a few months, I was invited to an iPad group where I learnt how to speak to friends living abroad –using Skype and FaceTime.

I was feeling quite worried about forgetting appointments and after being seen by one of the occupational therapists, I was invited to a memory group where I picked up lots of helpful tips.

It was great being able to come to these groups, but I wanted to do more and be able to get to different places without relying on anyone to take me. The community support worker at INS helped me find out about different transport options. She also found me a coffee morning group and a book group to go along to – they are great.

I feel very supported by INS. Even though most of these groups have now ended, I know that INS are there for me when I need them. I also feel reassured that INS will get in touch with me regularly to check to see how I am getting along.

I know the stroke has changed my life forever, but now, more than ever, I feel I can do things on my own.